Genetically
Engineered Bacteria Prevent Mosquitoes from Transmitting Malaria
July 16,
2012
Researchers
at the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute have genetically modified a
bacterium commonly found in the mosquito’s midgut and found that the parasite
that causes malaria in people does not survive in mosquitoes carrying the
modified bacterium. The bacterium, Pantoea agglomerans, was modified to secrete
proteins toxic to the malaria parasite, but the toxins do not harm the mosquito
or humans. According to a study published by PNAS, the modified bacteria were
98 percent effective in reducing the malaria parasite burden in mosquitoes.
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